Creative Prayer Flags Workshop Instructor: Laura Lein-Svencner (630)655-4492 www.lauralein-svencner.com lonecrow4@gmail.com Prayer flags are non-denominational spiritual symbols dating back thousands of years, to pre- Buddhist Tibet. They were made of plain cloth, painted in primary colors to represent the five elements; earth, water, fire, air and space. They were primarily used in healing ceremonies. Today, prayer flags are flown throughout the world to spread good intentions, peace and love. Prayer Flags Project http://theprayerflagproject.blogspot.com/ Art Therapy Reflections blog entryhttp://arttherapyreflections.blogspot.com/2010/04/reflecting-on-prayer-flags.html Traditional Prayer Flags-http://www.prayerflags.com/ Creative Prayer Flag is an exciting workshop where students will design and make their own prayer flags. Each student will be given four 6x10 inch white sheets, each with a stitched sleeve for hanging. Using a variety of mediums and techniques, we will explore creative ways to convey inspirational messages and emotions on these unique canvases. The challenge of the creative process, joined with the harmony of printing, collage, hand stitching and mixed media will be offered in this one day workshop. As part of the giving process, each student will be asked to donate one of their completed prayer flags to be included in the Project Prayer Flag Exhibition, which will be held at LaGrange Art League this August. Come learn how your silent blessings can be carried on the wings of the wind, sending your positive energy and spirit throughout the world.

Starting with the basic

2.

For this workshop all prayer flags have been

cut and sewn to the size of 6” x 10” for White

resale sheets. There is not standard size the

prayer flags have to be, except that you keep

them in unison. Beginning size was 6 x 12 with

fold over of 2” and sewn.

We will be starting with a few

different back ground techniques.

1. Wash with acrylic paints 2. Texture applied with gesso 3. Printed back grown

Make sure you have a newspaper surface

under you before you start or as you can see

I’ve used an Auto trader booklet as a work

surface.

1. Spray the flag with water 2. Water down you acrylics some 3. Paint on, or you can roll on with a

sponge roller.

Note the paint will soak through on. Let dry

before you move on to the next layer.

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Adding Gesso as your first layer can be very

interesting.

1. Make sure you have newspaper under your prayer flag as the gesso will leak through to the back side.

2. You can brush on the gesso or apply and spread with a plastic charge card.

3. Don’t wait too long if you want to scribe in or use a comb or other tools to make texture. The gesso begins to dry or soak in.

4. Let dry before applying the next layer which would be acrylics.

Printing the prayer flags

1. You can use rubber stamps, be aware though of clean with the rubber stamps and acrylics.

2. You can use linoleum plates or create your own with fun foam and wooden blocks.

3. Use your acrylic paints and roll on the color. 4. You can lay the flag on top of the plate or you

can stamp on with the stamp. 5. Layering the printing as much as you like.

Have some fun with it. Create some great

backgrounds before you start with the next layer.

1. Acrylic back ground with stencils shapes and sewn papers and buttons sewn on with stamping.

2. Printed flag with markers and cut fringe at the bottom.

3. Gesso back ground with acrylic layer, machine stitched collage papers, stamped stars and yarn fibers machine sewn on.

The kind of prayer flags we are creating in this workshop today can be whatever your heart desires. The fun of

using mixed media leaves the door wide open for your imagination to explore.

List of supplies to try

1. Acrylics 2. Molding pastes 3. Gesso 4. Printing with inks, acrylics or rubber stamp inks 5. Watercolors 6. Glue on paper 7. Stitch on paper 8. Buttons 9. Beads 10. Fibers 11. Markers 12. Stencils 13. Sponging 14. Sewing machine stitching 15. Hand stitching 16. Sew on or glue on material

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